One Tank Trip for Colorado Camping

Want to know what's so great about Colorado? Everything! Sharing its borders with seven states, Colorado is a beautiful mix of urban delights, scenic natural beauty, natural attractions, and is a premier destination for an amazing array of outdoor sports. With more than 40,000 acres of skiable real estate, it's no wonder travelers far and wide make this breathtaking state their first Colorado RV camping stop for a whirlwind of winter activities. I hope you brought your skis! If there is one city that is truly synonymous with skiing, it has to be Vail. Established less than 50 years ago, Vail has quickly surpassed all other locations as the place to be for skiing, snowboarding, huge annual events, scenic mountain views, or just rubbing elbows with celebrities. From its location in the heart of Vail Valley, it's literally a town that has been created for skiing, and travelers here will find a wealth of outdoor fun, first class resorts and lodges, and enough beauty and luxury to win over the most reluctant of travelers. It's going to be hard to leave Vail on our one tank trip, but we have so much more to see and do, so take I-170 W to Glenwood Springs, then SE on Hwy-82 to arrive at Aspen. This exceptional town, along with its sister town of Snowmass Village, services four major ski areas, the highest concentration anywhere in Colorado. A free shuttle service will take you between areas, making it easy for you to enjoy the mountain of your choice - or all of them! The surrounding peaks of the area are some of this state's most picturesque, so don't be surprised if you catch yourself staring in awe more than once during your visit. And to wow you even more, take a ride on the Silver Queen Gondola, and you'll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of Aspen and the beautiful Elk Mountain Range. Aside from world-class skiing opportunities, visitors in the summer months can hike, bike, fish, or do some rafting on the nearby Colorado River. A must see along our one tank trip is the John Denver Sanctuary. This beautiful commemorative park was built to remember one of Aspen's most famous residents, and is filled with rolling grassy mounds, containing huge granite rocks. Take a closer look at the rocks and you'll notice the lyrics to John Denver's songs carved into them. Peaceful and serene, it's a wonderful place to sit and reflect. If you're lucky enough to visit in October, you'll be treated to a celebration of John Denver's life and music, which brings fans from all over the world. From Aspen, we head to our last Colorado RV camping stop, Leadville. Returning to CO-82 E, after several miles merge onto US-24 W, and in less than two hours, you'll be right in the heart of Leadville. If ever there was a well-kept secret in Colorado, it's this city. Located along the top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway, Leadville (as it's name suggests) is a legendary frontier mining town, and easily accommodates a variety of travelers. Located within the city are 70 square blocks of incredible Victorian architecture, and an adjacent 20 square miles of mining district, which overflows with rich history, from Doc Holliday to Soapy Smith. Rumor has it that some may have even struck it rich here, so cross your fingers and keep your eyes open. For the adventurous, take a tour of one of the mines in the area, and get a real sense of what it must've been like for miners over 100 years ago, who had to travel some 1,000 feet into a mountain to work. This is one trip not cut out for the claustrophobic, but what an awesome glimpse into history! Colorado has been wooing travelers for centuries with its scenic beauty, wide array of outdoor activities and Old West history. No matter what you're looking for, you'll find it here, and with some of the most majestic and breathtaking mountain ranges in the country. Colorado is a state that's hard to resist, and it's hard to imagine why anyone one would want to! Back to One Tank Trips for 2011 Woodall's Recommended Colorado RV Campgrounds